Police say the couple, who married in 1991, were found with their dog after a neighbor called police to do a welfare check.
Gene Hackman, a two-time Oscar-winning actor who recently died at 95 years old, was honored during the Academy Awards on Sunday.
Morgan Freeman, who starred in two movies with Hackman, paid tribute to his late friend ahead of the ceremony's in memoriam segment.
"This week, our community lost a giant, and I lost a dear friend, Gene Hackman," Morgan said. "I had the pleasure of working alongside Gene on two films: "Unforgiven" and "Under Suspicion." And like everyone who ever shared a scene with him, I learned he was a generous performer, and a man who's gifts elevated everyone's work."
Morgan Freeman pays tribute to his “dear friend” Gene Hackman: “He received two Oscars but more importantly he won the hearts of film lovers all over the world.”#Oscarshttps://t.co/nl9CxOviL4 pic.twitter.com/LA4voHhYf6
— ABC News (@ABC) March 3, 2025
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Hackman, over his decades-long acting career, was nominated for five Oscars, winning two. He took home the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 1972 for “The French Connection" and for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in 1993 for "Unforgiven."
"He received two Oscars," Freeman said, "but more importantly, he won the hearts of film lovers all over the world."
Hackman, his 63-year-old wife and dog were found dead Thursday in their New Mexico home, leading to an outpouring of Hollywood tributes just days ahead of the Academy Awards.
Hackman's image closed the ceremony's in memoriam tribute, which also honored stars like James Earl Jones, Maggie Smith, David Lynch and many others.
"Gene always said, 'I don't think about legacy, I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work,'" Freeman said. "So, I think I speak for us all when I say, Gene, you'll be remembered for that, and for so much more. Rest in peace, my friend."
